The new Rogue arrived for the 2014 model year, though, confusingly, the former version remained on sale for two model years badged as the Rogue Select.

The new model is styled handsomely and a bit more conservatively than the one it replaces, and the interior is better organized and finished in attractive, higher-quality materials. Interior space isn't up in a major way, so the Rogue remains at the smaller end of the compact-crossover class.

Today's Rogue uses the same 170-horsepower 4-cylinder and continuously variable transmission (CVT) as its predecessor, but improvements to the driveline and aerodynamics help boost fuel economy to 29 mpg in the EPA's combined rating. Steering has more weight to it than in the previous model, the ride has been improved, and the Rogue feels altogether more composed and substantial than it had in its first generation.

The best improvement made to the current-generation Rogue has to be the dense-foam seats that are very supportive on long drives. Nissan calls them "Zero Gravity" seats and plays up the fact that they were developed using knowledge from NASA.

Though it's not much bigger inside, the Rogue now offers an optional third-row seat that expands capacity to seven. The third-row bench isn't very big, but the second row can slide fore and aft to sacrifice a little room in the middle when the rearmost seat is being used. That said, it's probably best if only small kids ride in the third row, since it's not that easy to access the extra seat and space is at a premium.

For crash safety, the Rogue earns Top Safety Pick status from the insurance-funded IIHS, but the NHTSA initially gave it a low three-star rating for front-impact protection. That has since been upgraded to four stars, which is certainly better, but many rivals get five star front crash ratings. Safety options include a surround-view camera system, blind-spot monitoring, a lane-departure warning system, and a forward-collision alert system.

Other Rogue features include a standard USB port, Bluetooth with audio streaming, and a rearview camera. Options include third-row seating, Bose audio, navigation, a power tailgate, a surround-view camera system, 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, and leather upholstery.

No major changes were made for the 2015 model year, though the Rogue's NHTSA crash-test score improved and an Eco mode was added to the powertrain. The testing improvement is likely due to improvements made under the skin. For 2016, the Rogue adds Siri Eyes Free to the SV Premium Package and SL model, and rear cross-traffic alerts and automatic emergency braking become available on various packages and models.

In the 2017 model year, Nissan added a Rogue Hybrid to the lineup, giving it a direct rival to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Nissan's gas-electric drivetrain pairs a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 30-kilowatt (40-horsepower) electric motor and lithium-ion batteries. The Rogue Hybrid can accelerate up to 25 mph on electric power alone, though it takes a very practiced foot to keep its gas engine silent. Fuel economy should rise, but the EPA hasn't published official figures yet.

Nissan Rogue history

The first Nissan Rogue debuted for the 2008 model year. That original 2008 Rogue had a fairly unconventional appearance, completely without any unnecessary SUV cues. More a slab-sided and taller-than-usual wagon, the first-generation Rogue had echoes of Nissan's Murano, the larger and clearly more luxurious sibling placed above the Rogue in the model lineup.

This Rogue was based on the same underpinnings as the Sentra sedan but didn't take full advantage of the Sentra's chassis. Handling was on the soft side, and while other crossovers aimed for class-best performance or handling, the clear focus for the Rogue was affordable, economical, and comfortable transportation for small families, and for those looking for a low-cost sedan or minivan alternative.

The Rogue was fairly fuel-efficient, too, courtesy of a 170-hp 4-cylinder engine and CVT that could be teamed to either front- or all-wheel drive. The fuel economy ratings were as high as 23 mpg city, 28 highway.

This first Rogue could move quite quickly but wasn't particularly inspiring to drive, even when equipped with the available steering-wheel paddles, which might have improved the experience somewhat on hilly or curvy roads.

More than anything, the Rogue succeeded as a compact sedan replacement, with room for five inside, though three adults were a bit cramped in the back row. The back seats reclined, for either best comfort or to help fit cargo, and when needed the back seats folded flat.

Over the years, the first Rogue saw few changes. For 2010, a new 360 Value Package brought alloy wheels, a chrome grille, and other extras to the base S model, while a Krom appearance package gave it an aftermarket-accessorized look. It included showy wheels, sporty center exhaust, tinted glass, and more. A very mild makeover came in the 2011 model year. Otherwise, options were fine-tuned for 2013 to bring a new Premium Edition (replacing the Premium Package) with front fog lamps and Bose audio. A Bluetooth hands-free interface remained optional on base S models, but was included in the rest of the model line.

Great SUV!!

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This is my first Nissan. Am I impressed! Great quality, lots of features, excellent fuel economy. The 2nd row is roomy enough, the flexible rear storage is good, the standard features are really good. I love...
This is my first Nissan. Am I impressed! Great quality, lots of features, excellent fuel economy. The 2nd row is roomy enough, the flexible rear storage is good, the standard features are really good. I love my new Rogue S. If you want to go from 0 to 60 in five seconds, this vehicle is not for you. If you want an affordable family SUV, with good bells and whistles and excellent mileage to boot; This baby is for you! + More »

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March 7, 2016

2016 Nissan Rogue FWD 4-Door SL

Loved my new Rogue 2016 for the first 4 weeks.

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but only drove short distances. Then when on a trip, after 300km, I became very uncomfortable and so did my husband. Had to stop often to get out and stretch our legs and backs. The 2 front seats could be made...
but only drove short distances. Then when on a trip, after 300km, I became very uncomfortable and so did my husband. Had to stop often to get out and stretch our legs and backs. The 2 front seats could be made much more comfortable. I would keep my Rogue if Nissan could change the driver's seat at least but they say that it cannot be done, so I am looking to exchange my new Rogue 2016 with only 3000 km for another vehicule. Sorry Nissan.. I did love my Pathfinder 2006. It was so much more comfortable but too greedy on the gas. I expected a new Rogue 2016 to be much more comfy than this. + More »

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March 3, 2016

2016 Nissan Rogue AWD 4-Door SV

Dream SUV other then the bad gas mileage

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We are a family of 4. 2 adults, 2 kids age 3 and 12. Our 12 year old is big in sports and our 3 year old has a car seat. We chose the Rogue over the CRV and RAV. We test drive the Rogue last and knew right...
We are a family of 4. 2 adults, 2 kids age 3 and 12. Our 12 year old is big in sports and our 3 year old has a car seat. We chose the Rogue over the CRV and RAV. We test drive the Rogue last and knew right away it was our fav. In our opinion the Rogue has the nicest styling inside and out. It also has the most luxurious feel and the storage and comfort were best. Our 12 year old loved how the rear seats reclined and how they sat higher then all other SUVs. The steering is super sporty and I never had a problem with hp.

Our only problem is the bad gas mileage. Our SUV has 2500km so far and we are averaging 18mpg. Our driving is 80% city and 20% highway. we have already brought it in. To Nissan and they have reset the computer and no change.

Please what kind of gas mileage are other Rogue owners getting in city driving.